Everybody now hurried and hid behind the vases and pots and shrubs scattered through the park, not knowing how soon they might be discovered by Red Beard. In this hurry the King held tightly to the hand of the Queen, and close upon their heels followed Mr. Poodle. The sun, slowly sinking, seemed now quite close to the hills of Troubleland, and the afternoon was drawing towards evening.
“I see no sign of the Grumbletown people,” said the King. “Do you think they have departed, Mr. Poodle? Look, Rolie Polie is standing guard at the gate. Perhaps Red Beard is robbing the Castle. I wish we could get word to the army.”
Meanwhile, finding no immediate danger threatening them, the Toy people, one after another gathered about their King. Some were in favor of arresting Rolie Polie, and putting him in irons for opening the gates and betraying the Castle. Others counselled against this.
Although King Tommy could not understand why Rolie Polie had opened the gates, nevertheless he felt sure the little clown had not betrayed his trust, and that in the end a reason would be found justifying the action. He was, therefore, glad to hear the little old lady speak, cautioning the Toy people not to act rashly. Then, turning to the King, she said: “Not knowing whether Red {145} Beard is within or outside the Castle walls, it seems unwise to dispatch a messenger for the soldiers and risk his being made captive. Why not go and speak a word or two with yonder guard?”
King Tommy appreciated this advice; and drawing his sword, he stepped forth boldly towards the little man at the gate.
Rolie Polie, hearing footsteps, looked about and saw the King.
“Your Majesty,” he cried, his face full of pride, his eyes dancing with happiness, “come quickly and help guard the gate; I have the Grumbletown King and all of his ruffians captive in the Castle. Am I not a fine soldier?”
These words were spoken so suddenly that for a moment the King failed to grasp their meaning. Then, all at once, it came to him why Rolie Polie had opened the gates, and he saw that the little guard had indeed laid a clever trap, in which, without doubt, were now captive King Red Beard and all of his Grumbletown followers.
“Hurrah!” he cried, turning and waving his sword to Mr. Poodle and the others. “Rolie Polie has captured the Grumbletown ruffians, come quickly and help hold the gate.”
A glad shout greeted this cry from the King, as with one accord the little company, each man drawing his sword, made a rush to reinforce the clever and brave guard, Rolie Polie.